Clemson, Terps battling for Maryland OL

By Phil Kornblut

Clemson and Maryland have emerged as the clear leaders for OL Justin Falcinelli (6-5 300) of Middletown, MD and he is coach believes he'll make a decision within the next two months. Falcinelli plays OT and also on the defensive line. He attended Clemson's junior day last month and has been strong on the Tigers ever since. "He really likes Clemson, " said his coach Kevin Lynott. "He went down there a couple of weeks ago and he fell in love with the university. He really likes coach Swinney and was impressed with the staff and the culture of the players. It's more than just football, it was more like a family atmosphere, like a brotherhood.." Falcinelli has also been to Maryland and the Terps are making a strong push. "Maryland has been all over him being the home town boy," Lynott said. "He likes Maryland, likes coach Edsall. Being in close proximity, it's given him some serious consideration. I think he's impressed with both. A new offer could come in and change the ball game." Falcinelli also has offers from Pittsburgh, Virginia, Rutgers, Penn State and Wake Forest. He's also getting interest from Alabama, LSU and Ohio State. He visited Ohio State last summer and apparently impressed coach Urban Meyer. "Coach Meyer labeled him as one of the best offensive line recruits in the country," his coach said. Lynott was not sure if or when Falcinelli will visit Clemson or Maryland again, but he said the Maryland team is coming to their school to hold one of their spring practices.

OL Branton Autry (6-4 320) of Coffeyville JC, KS is getting a lot of interest from USC these days and when he gets around to deciding on official visits he will take this summer and fall, he's confident the Gamecocks will get one.

Laurens DB Thomas Jones (6-3 200) is gaining momentum in recruiting circles. He recently was offered by North Carolina and Saturday he picked up an offer from USC while attending a junior day. He also has offers from Duke, Charlotte and Miami of Ohio and Clemson is showing some interest. He plans to go to Clemson for the spring game April 11th.

6-4 Jamall Gregory of Washington, DC made an official visit to USC over the weekend with his mother and he's now ready to make his college decision. Gregory said he plans to decide between the Gamecocks and Kansas State between now and Wednesday. He has not yet visited Kansas State.

Goose Creek DE Javon Kinlaw (6-7 265) has had USC at the top of his list since the Gamecocks were the first to offer him in August 2014. And he went to the Gamecocks' junior day Saturday thinking he might be ready to commit. But that didn't happen Saturday and Kinlaw say no commitment is coming from him anytime soon.

Conway WR Bryan Edwards (6-3 208) attended USC's junior day Saturday with the Gamecocks and Georgia at the top of his list and hoping to get some clarity about his recruiting. Apparently things became real clear to him on this visit because Edwards committed to the Gamecocks.